1. Interim findings from the Scottish Renewables Heating Pilot Paul Tyrer, Scottish Govt

2. 2 The Pilot £1m funding over two years. Managed by EST. A two year pilot study, March 06 to May 08. 87 Installations in total – 56 in social rent, 31 owner- occupied. Main technologies were GSHP and ASHP. Installations began in Dec 2006, finished in January 2008. Evaluation being undertaken simultaneously by Clearplan UK.

3. 3 Aims of the Evaluation 1.Explore participants’ experiences of and attitudes towards using the renewable technologies installed; 2.Evaluate the impact of using renewable based systems on fuel poverty; 3.Assess the value for money of mainstreaming particular renewable-based systems into the Central Heating Programme.

4. 4 Broad Methods Regular interviews with householders Modelling using NHER software Assessment of actual fuel costs Data-loggers to monitor warmth levels Cost-benefit analysis

5. 5 Installation Costs Installation costs were higher than anticipated; Ground source heat pumps cost £16,691 fully installed; Air-source heat pumps cost £8,168; In comparison, average CHP grant is £3,343; Renewables-based systems were then more expensive than comparable systems, though costs have reduced since Phase 1.

6. 6 Householder Satisfaction Early findings suggest 9 in 10 very or fairly satisfied with their new system; 9 in 10 found the new system easy to use; Almost half reported one or more problems with installation

7. 7 Quality of Life improvements No more ‘hard work’ to heat the home; Able to use more rooms in the home; Improved social life; Reported reduction in damp; Self-reported improvements in health and mobility.

8. 8 Energy Efficiency Improvements Nearly all properties prior to installation scored lower than the national average for energy efficiency; Renewables plus WD improved NHER scores in all households. No property was rated as NHER poor after installation.

9. 9 Modelled impacts on fuel poverty Before improvements Social sector households spent on average 11% of household income to maintain a satisfactory heating regime; After improvements, on average, households spent 8% of income, with the installation of renewables.

10. 10 Carbon Savings Mean carbon emissions (tonnes p.a.): Without improvements 9.4 Electric Storage (+ WD) 6.3 Oil Central heating (+ WD) 4.8 Renewables (+ WD) 3.6

11. 11 Conclusions Positive, so far, on energy-efficiency, impacts on fuel poverty and carbon savings; Householders positive on using the systems; Costs of GSHPs very high; ASHPs less expensive but still more costly than comparator systems, e.g. oil / electric storage.

12. 12 Next steps All systems now installed; Final questionnaires going out shortly; Final report due in Summer 08; Conclusions and recommendations to be presented to Ministers for consideration.